Oh, How Libraries Have Changed!

March 07, 2013

Many years ago, when I was young, I remember going to the library. It was a small, cement block room underneath a building. There were no windows; just a glass front door. No pictures on the walls, no computers- just rows and rows of books. 

Years later, when I took my children to the library, things had changed, and the library was above ground with bright light coming in through large windows and lovely pictures and posters on the walls to admire. Now, we have large beautiful buildings, glassed fronts, and access to eBbooks, computers, community programs, Homeschoolers @ the Library, and AWE Early Literacy Computers for the little ones. 

Recently, I was looking for stained glass ideas. Because I love stained glass so much, and because I work at a Library, this article caught my eye about the Four Seasons Windows of Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, MA. The library has four stained glass windows with multicolored pastel borders, faceted jewels, and chevrons in the corners. Each window depicts the "Tree of Knowledge and a character that represents each of the four seasons – snow owl, mother duck and her babies, rabbits, and a bear." In April of 2002, the windows were installed in their permanent home in the Children’s Reading Room at the Nevin’s Memorial Library. 

Can you imagine sitting in that library and looking at those beautiful stained glass windows!? Wow, have libraries changed! Now they have beautiful stained glass art. I also liked the personal insight by Amy G. Custis. Here is just a line from the article: "Many people hold true to the belief that life is about the journey that you take along your way. For me, these windows have taken on a life of their own, and it is my hope that they will continue to journey through the imaginations of the many children who will spend time in their presence."

Libraries aren’t just rooms under buildings with rows of books anymore. They offer so much, including stained glass windows!  

Rexanne A.
Edgerton Branch